Inside one classroom in Tavares, students gather each day to work on the routines that shape their academic lives in a program called AVID. Known as Advancement Via Individual Determination, this elective builds strong study habits with clear communication skills, and gives students a supportive environment where they can set goals and stay accountable.

Rachel Sadlemire teaches students from sixth through eighth grade and watches them develop stronger relationships and more confidence as they move through the program. She says the program feels different from anything else on campus. 

“AVID is special because it truly feels like a family,” she says. “Over time, they create strong connections with each other and develop a safe space where they can take risks, support one another and succeed together.” 

Rachel believes the purpose of the class reaches far beyond learning strategies. 

“It’s about learning how to collaborate, communicate and grow as a team,” she says. “I feel incredibly lucky to have this job and I’m blessed to come to work each day and be part of something so meaningful.”

The AVID program has become a consistent part of campus life, giving students structure, confidence and the academic habits that set them up for success. It also teaches skills like focused note-taking, organization, critical thinking, public speaking and collaboration. 

Students say the class gives them a steady place to learn how to manage their work, talk through ideas and build confidence about their future. Some teachers describe it as a community inside the school that helps students grow year after year.

Students echo those themes in their own ways. Sixth grader River Dorman first learned about AVID during an assembly in fifth grade and decided to apply. 

“They told us we would learn how to take notes and things that we might need for college, and I decided I was interested in that,” he says. River believes the preparation will help him explore different university campuses and understand what he wants for his future, which includes debate and presenting.

For Marlayy Worrel, AVID stands out because of the atmosphere. 

“My favorite part of AVID is how nice Miss Rachel is and how we learn to work together,” she says. She hopes to become a teacher and says the class helps her picture the steps she will need to take.

Haylee Carr competes in baton and sees the positive impact her AVID training has outside the classroom. “I used to feel overwhelmed during competition season<” she says.  “This helps me be a lot more organized and now I can manage my time and keep practices and schoolwork balanced.”

Ultimately, the collaborative spirit is the goal and why AVID continues to grow at Tavares Middle School. The program gives students the skills they need and a place where they feel supported. With the help of Miss Rachel and the support of the school, it’s clear that they are using these skills for a bring future. 

Special thanks to: Quintaesha Hardy, Nikolas Pinkney, Katelyn Reynolds, Sa’riya Reese, Jackie Maloy, Aiden Subdon, River Dorman, Haylee Carr, Ysabella Alvarez, Marlayy Worrel, Adrianna Arroyo for helping with this article and also to the all of the AVID seventh graders for their excellent podcasting skills! 

Photos by Gina Horan